HER HANDS WERE FULL

Poetry by

William Julius Kuykendall

A TRIBUTE TO HISTORICAL AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN

HER HANDS WERE FULL

Copyright 2008 by William Julius Kuykendall All rights reserved. Edited by Mrs. Wanda Burnside & Min. Mary D. Edwards of The Called and Ready Writers Printed in the USA by InstantPublisher.com Page Layout and Cover Design by Shannon Crowley of Treasure Image & Publishing

William Julius Kuykendall c/o The Called and Ready Writers P.O. Box 211018 Detroit, Michigan 48221 WillKuyken@aol.com (313) 924-9814

For My dear friend, Dana Wade, for your encouragement to achieve.

Dedication To the memory of my loving sister Louise Kuykendall, (1920-2001).

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Odes to Marian Anderson Ida B. Well-Barnett Eva Roberts Coles Boone Charlotte Hawkins Brown Nanne Burroughs Mary McLeod Bethune Angela Davis Catherine A. Delany Marian Wright Edelman Aretha Franklin Fannie Lou Hamer Lorraine Hansberry Dorothy Irene Height Mae Carol Jemison Jackie "Moms" Mabley Oseola McCarty Rosa Parks Fannie B. Peck Norma Merrick Sklarek Sojourner Truth Phillis Wheatley 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 34

In appreciation to my leaders and editors of The Called and Ready Writers Thank you Minister Mary Edwards, founder and chief editor, and Mrs. Wanda Burnside, president and poetry editor. I am thankful for your labor of love for serving as midwives for the birth of this baby. William J. Kuykendall 2008

FROM THE AUTHOR

With an understanding, an emotion and pride, I have developed a book of poetry as a tribute to historical AfricanAmerican women. After researching the lives of African-American women of past years, my interest was captivated. A category of pioneer women, ex-slave, and civil rights activists has surfaced. This acknowledgement serves to recognize their contributions to life in America. I am honored to recognize the contributions of some wellknown women as Aretha Franklin. Her artistry as an entertainer is worthy of respect and admiration from people all over the world. Marian Wright Edelman is credited with her work among children. However, she is recognized also as an advocate for humanity. While reading the poetic odes of a few selected AfricanAmerican women, take a few moments to dream of the yearnings in the lives of women. ~ William Julius Kuykendall

ODE TO MARIAN ANDERSON

FEBRUARY 27, 1902
"I don't feel that I opened the door. I've never been a mover and shaker of the earth. I think that those who came after me deserve a great deal of credit for what they have achieved. I don't feel that I am responsible for any of it, because if they didn't have it in them they wouldn't be able to get it out." ~ Marian Anderson

The lights were lowered when she graciously walked across the stage. She paused, gently adjusted her train, signaled her accompanist, closed her eyes, and began to sing A spiritual. Can you hear that wonderful range in her voice? Can you feel the joy conveyed? I can. I can hear the voice millions strive to achieve.

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IDA B. WELLS-BARNETT: A FIGHTER FOR FREEDOM

BORN ON JULY 16, 1862
"In 1889 she bought one third interest in the Memphis Free Speech and Highlight and later became editor. Ida B. Wells-Barnett believed that the vote for African-Americans was the key to equality." The Memphis Diary of Ida B. Wells Edited by Marion DeCosta Willis, 1995

Ida B. Wells-Barnett A fighter for freedom and an advocate for the poor. A fighter for freedom: she was a promoter of teacher education. A fighter for freedom: standing up for her rights as a citizen. A fighter for freedom: a woman of courage. Her hands were full as a forerunner for freedom.

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